47 Shri Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Escape Unhurt After Bus Catches Fire in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ramban
RAMBAN, JAMMU & KASHMIR — July 16, 2026 — A group of 47 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from Rajasthan had a miraculous escape on Wednesday when their sleeper bus caught fire on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near Karol in Ramban district. The incident occurred as the vehicle was returning downhill from Baltal toward Jammu. According to local authorities, the fire was triggered by a sudden tyre burst that quickly escalated and spread to the rest of the vehicle. Thanks to the lightning-fast response of first responders—including the Jammu & Kashmir Police, CRPF, Indian Army, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and local civil volunteers—all occupants, including the drivers and helper, were safely evacuated without any injuries reported among the travelers.
Upon receiving the alert, a nearby CRPF picket from the 84th Battalion immediately rushed to the scene alongside district police and rescue teams to assist the passengers. Utilizing local resources, including a CRPF water tanker from a nearby camp, emergency services successfully brought the raging blaze under control.
While all pilgrims and transport staff escaped completely unharmed, officials confirmed that one firefighter—Selection Grade Manohar Kumar—sustained injuries during the firefighting operation. Traffic on the highway was temporarily disrupted but was quickly restored to normal once the area was secured. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan confirmed that the administration immediately arranged alternative transport to ensure the safe continuation of the pilgrims’ journey back to Rajasthan.
“I have reviewed the situation with senior officials and Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, after a Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrim bus from Rajasthan returning after Darshan caught fire at Karol due to a tyre burst. By Lord Shiva’s grace, all pilgrims are safe. I have directed the Ramban district administration to provide immediate assistance to the Yatris and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan.” Says Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir
Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arun Gupta stated that a formal case is being registered to launch a detailed investigation into the incident. The probe will include a scientific analysis to determine the exact cause of the overheating that led to the tyre burst, examining whether prolonged travel and downhill braking conditions contributed to the fire.